[JERRY2KONE]

It was great to hear some good news coming out of Japan these days after such devistation. Lito we are all happy that you and your family are back together and safe from harm. Please share with your family that our hearts have been with you through all of this, and that we wish you nothing but the best over the next year during your transition from Naval life to civilian life.

Today an update was televised stating that things are finally begining to look a whole lot brighter. Thur/05/05/2011 it was reported that cooling continues and that progress has been made. Also stated was that they have been able to enter one of the reactor buildings for the first time in many weeks in order to do some up close observations and strategic planning for the next phase of their plan. The plan at this point is to recover/rebuild the entire designed cooling system so that it can be put back in operation in order to bring the temperature of the reactor cores to a point which will allow them to enter the facilities and remove the fuel rods one by one until the cores are empty. Once that phase is reached the reactor can be shut down completely and clean up can begin. The statement was made that eventually all of the fuel will be removed and stored in a controlable environment, and the Dai ichie plant will be shut down and closed for good.

Progress is slow moving, but TEPCO is continuing forward and hopefully the entire plant will be shut down before New Year 2012. The death toll from the earthquake/tsunami is reported to be over 25,000, with an additional 11,000 still missing. Approximately 200,000 people are still living in shelters awaiting new housing promised by the Japanese Gov. The Gov is looking for suitable locations on higher ground to build and house these people. Our kids have been involved with a fund raiser within their school and are now wearing I love Japan "T" shirts in support of the Japanese people. They wear them with pride.